how to create beautiful braided hairstyles for summer
three of the best braided & plaited hairstyles from stone hairdressing salons in Canterbury & Kings Hill
Summer is HERE! It’s the perfect time to have fun with your hair trying out effortlessly cool looks, including everything from beachy, boho waves to stunning summer braids.
Here, the stone hairdressing team are excited to bring you three of our favourite on-trend braided hairstyles for summer 2018.
Braids and plaits have made somewhat of a comeback over recent years, with the trend for Fish Tail Plaits, Waterfall Plaits and Dutch Braids proving popular looks. Here we bring you a how to guide for plaiting your hair…
how to create the dutch braid aka ‘the upside-down plait’
Dutch braids are a great youthful look and are easy to do yourself. Simply brush your hair smooth before parting into three clean, even sections. Add a little hairspray or styling product to keep stray hairs at bay.
Start by crossing the right section under the central section of hair, then cross the left section under the new middle section. Repeat the process by picking up thin sections of hair from left to right – make sure you cross the hair under not over to achieve the perfect Dutch Braid.
At stone hairdressing salons in Canterbury and Kings Hill we love to keep up to date with all the latest hairstyling trends and techniques. Why not pop in to the salon and have a chat with one of our skilled hair stylists who will happily suggest the best look for you and your hair type and give you top tips on how to achieve it?
how to create the ‘braided-headband’ hairstyle
What could be better than using your own hair as a funky headband? This plaited look works on short, medium and longer length hair and is the perfect style to wear half up and half down. Start with freshly washed hair (damp or dry is fine), then section a large piece of your hair roughly from the crown to behind the ears.
Next, separate the hair into three equal strands before proceeding to cross the left section over the middle section, and then the right section over the new middle section. Carry on using this braiding technique until you run out of hair. Secure with a hair tie and pin the end of the plaited ponytail behind your ear with a bobby pin.
If you want your plait or braid to appear thicker, and flatter use what is known as the pancake technique – simply use your fingers to gently pull at the sections of the plait to loosen it and make it lie flatter like a pancake!
how to create fish tail plaits
Fish tail plaits are the ultimate braid and can be worn sleek and smooth or tousled and chunky for a boho look. If this is your first time creating a fishtail braid then maybe try with a side ponytail to start.
Now split the hair into two smooth, equal parts before creating a much smaller third section from the outside of the ponytail. Now pull the small section across the top of the larger section from left to right, you need to repeat this process from right to left.
Repeat these steps until you run out of hair – secure with a hair tie and spritz with a finishing product for extra hold (ask your stylist for more information). Don’t worry if your plait looks messy or tousled – this creates a relaxed plaited look.
top tips to keep your plaits & braids looking good
Plaits and braids can work loose throughout the day which can in itself create a charming look. If, however, you prefer for your hairstyle to stay put, follow these top tips to stop your braids from misbehaving…
- Add some styling product to your hair to make it easier to grip – such as hairspray or dry shampoo.
- The smaller the sections of hair, the tighter the plait.
- If you want a chunky plait, use thicker sections.
- Braid your hair tightly in the morning and then unravel later on in the day for relaxed beach babe waves.
- Add hair accessories to your braid to hide any pins or hair ties.
- Next time you pop in to your local stone hairdressing salon, ask your stylist for tips and recommended products to get your hair in the best shape possible.
Book your hair appointment at stone hairdressing salons in Canterbury & Kings Hill
Give us a call today by clicking one of the links below, or book your hair appointment online. If you’re desperate to try out one of these plaited or braided looks, make sure you talk to your stone hairdressing stylist first. We are experts when it comes to creative hair styling and can tell you which plait will work best with your hair type and texture.